Ms Meaden believes the thieves knew exactly what they wanted and is now looking at having CCTV installed at the school.

“We’ve never needed it before, until now we haven’t had a problem. It is a shame because we used to leave the garden open for the public to enjoy at evenings and weekends but we’ve had to lock it up now.”

Sergeant Mavis Evans, of South Flintshire Police is appealing for anyone who may have been around the school around March 7-8 to get in touch. She said: “The persons responsible must have been there for some time and must have loaded the chippings into a van or trailer.

“Have you been offered any second hand chippings?

“If you have any information regarding this theft please phone 101 reference S033292.”